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Whole Body Beautiful: FatsEmbracing the Good, Shedding the Bad

April 4, 2013 - By Lisa Fallon Mindel

For many years people have told us that eating fats and oils cause us to become fat. We now know thats not true. It is not fat that adds to your waistline, compromises your heart, causes diabetes, depression, A.D.D. or cancer, but the type of fat thats consumed. Its time to lighten the load and change up the oil in that body of yours.

Fats are important building blocks in our bodies. We are made up of 15-30 percent fat (Men range between 10-20 percent and woman 20-30 percent).

Some fats are manufactured naturally in our bodies, but the ones that arent and that we are most concerned about are the Omega 3s and 6s. These fats, called essential fatty acids, need to come from our diet. Where you get these fats is key to your health. The higher the quality, the better your body will run. How?

Quality fats will allow your cell wallsall 100 trillion of themto become strong, supple and responsive. Your message center can respond more quickly, and in doing so will regulate your blood sugar. Do you know what that means? No holding any extra fat for the winter. Consequently, by eating the good fats you will actually shed the bad.

You will be able to keep inflammation down within your body, which is a major source of chronic disease. By eating good fats, your cells are less rigid, more fluid, and therefore can respond more quickly and keep inflammation to a minimum.

Your brain, which is made up of 60 percent fat, will also benefit, as it is composed mostly of Omega 3s. Research has shown that a deficiency of this fat in the brain can cause anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and even violence. Boost your learning, memory and even happiness by boosting those 3s.

Your heart also loves Omega 3s because it keeps the bad fats (triglycerides) down and good fats ( HDL) in the blood up. We all want a happy heart. Your body also creates hormones from Omega 6s and Omega 3s, which are both very important for your health.

How do you get the bad quality out and good quality in?

Start by getting rid of those poor quality, refined, processed oils such as corn, cottonseed, and safflower oilbe aware that they are hidden in packaged and processed foods, as well as partially hydrogenated oilsand replacing them with good fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, ground flax seeds, walnuts, sea vegetables, hempseed oils, olive oils, walnut oil, small cold water fish, such as wild salmon, black cod, bluefish, sardines, and herring.

Just taking that first step of becoming aware of what oils are in your food is a step in the right direction. Your body wants to be healthy and in balance and is designed to run on high quality fats. So give it what it wants and you will be on the road to a healthier and maybe even a slimmer year ahead.

Health and Happiness.

Lisa Fallon Mindel HHP, AADP is a qualified holistic health and nutrition Coach as well as a model and triathlete. She counsels people on how to effetively reach their health, nutrition and wellness goals. With her personalized step-by-step program and support, reaching goals is enjoyable and lifelong. For more informaion, go to Wholebodybeautiful.com.